The Tragic Final Chapter: 5 Shocking Facts About Frank Fritz's Death, Will Contest, And Legacy On American Pickers

The world of antique picking was forever changed on September 30, 2024, when news broke of the passing of Frank Fritz, the beloved co-star of the History Channel’s hit reality show, American Pickers. For years, fans had speculated about his health, his strained relationship with long-time friend Mike Wolfe, and his mysterious absence from the show. Now, in late 2025, the full, complex story of his final years has emerged, revealing a tragic health battle and a shocking legal dispute over his estate that continues to make headlines.

This article provides the most current and definitive look at Frank Fritz’s life, his final struggles, the details of his death, and the ongoing drama surrounding his legacy, offering a fresh perspective that goes far beyond the public feud that defined his departure from the series.

Frank Fritz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Frank Fritz was a celebrated antique collector and television personality whose passion for "rusty gold" turned him into a household name. His unique eye for hidden treasures, coupled with his witty banter with co-star Mike Wolfe, made American Pickers a global phenomenon.

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• Full Name: Frank Fritz
• Date of Birth: October 11, 1963
• Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa, USA
• Date of Death: September 30, 2024
• Age at Death: 60
• Cause of Death: Late sequela of cerebral infarction (complications from a stroke), with contributing factors of Aortic Stenosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Occupation: Antique Dealer, Reality Television Star, Author
• Known For: Co-hosting the History Channel's American Pickers from 2010 to 2020.
• Career Highlights: Co-founded the show with Mike Wolfe, starred in 21 seasons, and became known for his love of motorcycles and oil cans.

The Final Years: Health Battles, Departure, and Reconciliation

Frank Fritz’s life took a dramatic turn in the years leading up to his death, marked by severe health challenges and a high-profile exit from the show that brought him fame. His struggles highlight the intense personal toll that reality television can sometimes take on its stars.

The Stroke and Contributing Health Factors

The beginning of Frank’s final health crisis occurred in July 2022 when he suffered a debilitating stroke, which left him hospitalized and later in hospice care. While the stroke was the primary trigger, his death certificate revealed a more complex picture. The official cause was "late sequela of cerebral infarction," which is a medical term for the long-term, delayed effects of a stroke.

Crucially, two other chronic conditions were listed as contributing factors: Aortic Stenosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Aortic stenosis is a serious heart condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body, which can significantly increase the risk of a stroke. These underlying health issues compounded the damage caused by the cerebral infarction, ultimately leading to his passing.

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The Strained Relationship with Mike Wolfe

Frank’s departure from American Pickers in March 2020, initially for back surgery, quickly devolved into a public feud with his co-star Mike Wolfe. The two, who had been friends for over 40 years, had a strained relationship that was widely reported in the media. Fritz publicly stated that Wolfe had not reached out to him after his surgery, causing a rift that saddened fans of the show.

However, in a bittersweet turn of events, the two friends were able to mend their relationship before Frank’s death. Mike Wolfe confirmed that they had patched things up in 2023 following Frank’s stroke. This reconciliation provided a small comfort to fans and family, ensuring the two long-time picking partners found peace after their public fallout.

The Shocking Legal Battle: Frank Fritz’s Contested Will

In a final twist of drama that has kept Frank Fritz’s name in the news well into 2025, his estate has become the subject of a bitter legal dispute. The controversy centers around his Last Will and Testament, which he signed in October 2023, approximately eight months after his stroke and while he was still undergoing rehabilitation.

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The Will Contest Details

The legal challenge is being waged by a close friend of Fritz's, who is reportedly battling Frank’s father, Bill Fritz, for control over the estate, which is estimated to be worth around $6 million. The core of the will contest is the question of Frank's capacity to sign the document at the time, given his fragile health following the stroke and his incapacitation.

The ongoing legal dispute has had a profound and emotional impact, even leading to the delay of Frank Fritz’s memorial service. This highly public legal battle over the assets of a man known for finding treasures in forgotten places has unfortunately overshadowed the celebration of his life, a stark reminder of the complexities of estate planning, especially for public figures.

The American Pickers Legacy: Moving Forward Without Frank

Frank Fritz’s absence from American Pickers was initially filled by Mike Wolfe’s brother, Robbie Wolfe, who became a permanent fixture alongside Mike and fan-favorite Danielle Colby. The show has continued to air new episodes, currently in its 27th season, but the dynamic has undeniably changed.

Following Frank’s death, both Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby shared heartfelt tributes, acknowledging his irreplaceable role in the show's success. Mike Wolfe described the passing as a profound loss, while Danielle Colby noted how fondly the entire American Pickers team remembers him.

While the show carries on with its current cast, the legacy of Frank Fritz remains the foundation of the program. His unique, often quirky personality, his preference for the "rusty and crusty" items, and his genuine interactions with the people they met on the road are what cemented American Pickers as a cultural phenomenon. Frank Fritz will always be remembered as the original, indispensable partner in the great American treasure hunt.